Scottish runner Jasmin Paris has made history by becoming the first woman to finish the grueling Barkley Marathons in Tennessee. The race, inspired by a famous prison escape, covers 100 miles with a 60,000ft ascent – equivalent to scaling Mount Everest twice. Only about 20 people have ever completed it within 60 hours during its 38-year history.
Paris, a 40-year-old vet from Midlothian, battled through extreme terrain, navigating through dense forests and steep slopes. She finished with only one minute and 39 seconds to spare, collapsing in exhaustion at the finish line. The race is known for its odd traditions and challenges, with participants required to find pages in books along the course as proof of completion.
The Barkley Marathons course changes every year and only 35 participants are allowed to enter. The race was inspired by an escape from a nearby prison in the 1970s, with the idea of covering 100 miles in 60 hours. Paris had previously completed a “Fun Run” in 2022, getting through three loops before successfully completing all four loops this year.
Her sponsor, Inov8, called her achievement “one of the greatest stories in the sport.” Paris’ determination and strength have earned her a place in ultramarathon history, showcasing her incredible endurance and resilience.